Special Education & Rehabilitation: Deaf Studies Emphasis

The Special Education and Rehabilitation major in the Deaf Studies concentration provides students with extensive coursework in American Sign Language (ASL), disability studies, child development, deaf literature and film, educational and cultural considerations, and client services. Graduates may seek work as interpreters, teachers, counseling assistants, job placement specialists, case managers, and rehabilitation center staff. The Deaf Studies concentration is excellent preparation for graduate programs in special education, social work, public health, or speech-language pathology. Some of the job titles listed below require an advanced degree or certificate. 

Potential Career Areas: 

  • Interpreting
  • Teaching
  • Counseling
  • Job development
  • Health care administration
  • Health advocacy
  • Program coordination
  • Medical device testing or sales

  

Sample Employers: 

  • School districts
  • Colleges and universities
  • Learning centers
  • Hospitals
  • Hearing and speech centers
  • Veterans’ centers
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Research institutes
  • Government agencies
  • Courts
  • Medical device companies

 

Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges: 

Job Title

Salary Range

Sign Language Interpreter $22,170 - $38,850
Speech and Language Tutor $20,500 - $30,300
Human Services Worker $17,900 - $27,280
Audiometric Technician $31,560 - $39,450
Special Education Director $58,300 - $87,000
Health Care Program Manager $37,460 - $47,910
Nursing Home Administrator $48,300 - $80,240
Patient Advocate $27,612 - $51,895
Vocational Technician $29,360 - $51,050
Health Services Administrator $41,450 - $72,875

 

Sources of Information:  United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).